different ways to measure transit success – performance ......605 suwannee street, ms 26...

AASHTO Council on Public Transportation and MTAP

2020 Virtual Winter Meeting

Different Ways to Measure Transit Success – Performance Metrics in a

Post-Pandemic World

Gabe Matthews - Transit Research, Planning and Commuter Programs Administrator, Florida Department of Transportation

David Sherman - Transit Planner, HDR In-House Consultant to Florida Department of Transportation

Measuring, Assessing and the Metrics Used

Why Measure Transit SystemPerformance?

Performance indicators operationalize

understanding of how well system is working

Help to understand larger trends

•Example: Increasing costs of paratransit

Allows for internal and external comparison

Provides accountability

Understand best practices

However, it is important to remember that different

system’s service priorities, populations, andgeography vary

Transit Performance Measures TypicallyAssess:

Cost-effectiveness: inputs or outputs to consumption

How well service is utilized compared to its costs

Cost-efficiency: inputs to outputs

Reveals increasing costs

Service Effectiveness: inputs or outputs to consumption

Capacity used versus available capacity

Service Efficiency: inputs to outputs

Comparison between operators in different cost environments

National and Florida Perspectives

Florida Perspective

Same Old, Same Old Measures

Measures

• Ridership Numbers

• On time performance. The operator has 5’ 59” grace at the end of each run (north or southbound direction = 1 run)

• Revenue Miles

Success

• Bring back routes (or the entire system) that have been discontinued or on Sunday service schedules

• Collect fares again

National Perspective

Understanding and Modifying Performance Metrics

Percentage of Area Served by Transit

Transit Vehicles per Hour

Pedestrian Level of Service

Passenger Complaints or Compliments per unit of time, passengers, or trips

Percentage of Transit Vehicles Departing or Arriving at a location on time

Percentage of trip or travel time is no more than X% higher than average

The average between the Innovation Officers and the Research and Technology Committee show the top three performance indicators are customer satisfaction, ridership and access to mobility options.

APTA Survey for Measuring Transit Agency Performance

Business members see things a little differently

Business members underscored the same metrics, but they also rated congestion reduction and air quality improvements among the key performance indicators for transit.

How Agencies Adapt

Miami-Dade Transit, Go Nightly

• Go Nightly, The Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), City of Miami

• On-Demand Ride Option

• Allows for Essential Service to Continue

• Midnight to 5 a.m.

National Examples

• MTA Baltimore/Transdev Partnership

• Denver RTD’s new service plan

• Corpus Christi RTA's service level alerts

How Do We Refine and Reframe ?

Refine Perceptions

and Reframe

Refine

• Real-time arrival and load factor information in order to make informed decisions about service alterations

• Understanding current and emerging riding patterns and behaviors

Reframe

• FTA Research Report 0152: Mobility Performance Metrics (MPM) for Integrated Mobility and Beyond

• TCRP Research Report 205: Social and Economic Sustainability Performance Measures for Public Transportation: Final Guidance Document

“The Future Isn’t What We Thought it

Would Be” Paul P. Skoutelas

New Measures for Florida?

• How are you helping to ensure transit-dependent riders and essential workers can access the essential services they need?

• What metrics do you have for addressing rider concerns?

• What are your metrics for piloting new services and new models?

Gabe MatthewsTransit Research, Planning and Commuter Programs AdministratorFlorida Department of Transportation605 Suwannee Street, MS 26Tallahassee, FL 32399(850)414-4803gabrielle.matthews@dot.state.fl.us

David ShermanSenior Transit Planner FL Department of Transportation – Transit Office 605 Suwannee Street, MS – 26 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 D.850-414-4519 M.917-340-1866 David.Sherman@dot.state.fl.usDavid.Sherman@hdrinc.com

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